‘The Boss’ Bruce Spingsteen to rock new Leeds Arena

Lindsay Pantry

Bruce Springsteen will give the new Leeds Arena an impromptu road test this July ahead of its official opening.

The rock veteran will be the first to perform at the 13,500 capacity venue as part of his Wrecking Ball world tour on Wednesday July 24.

Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday from 9am, priced £65.00.

This will be Springsteen’s first indoor UK show since his arena tour in 2007 - and his only northern date.

Leeds Arena director Tony Watson said: “The team is ecstatic that an artist of this sheer calibre will be providing all of us with, what is effectively, a big dress rehearsal for the arena for its opening season.

“Springsteen has always expressed a love of performing in the UK and, from what I understand, any opportunity to put Leeds Arena through its paces was too much to resist. We’re more than happy to take orders from ‘The Boss’ on this occasion.”

Councillor Keith Wakefield, Leader of Leeds City Council said: “This is an unexpected but very welcome announcement. To hear that the arena’s appeal is such that the advance actually came from Bruce Springsteen’s people is incredibly exciting. Leeds has waited a long time to welcome him back since his legendary 1985 Roundhay Park concert. It also means that the people of Leeds will be able to enjoy their amazing new arena and it will make its mark on northern England’s cultural landscape far earlier than originally anticipated.

“We will be handing over the arena to SMG on schedule towards the end of March and it is then up to them to fit it out to their requirements and open it on a date of their choice. Personally I am delighted at the prospect of a world-famous rock icon such as Bruce Springsteen performing there and am looking forward to him helping us get Leeds Arena firmly on the map.

“This will be consolidated by a genuinely varied opening season in September with the venue being officially opened by Elton John, followed by a diverse range of acts including Micky Flanagan, Leeds’ own Kaiser Chiefs, Andrea Bocelli and more to be announced – there really will be something for everyone. And who know who else might be signed up in the meantime? With over 140 events per year, there is lots more to come.”

To book tickets, phone the Leeds Arena box office on 0844 248 1585, visit leeds-arena.com or buy your tickets in person from the Leeds Arena pop up box office, located at Leeds Town Hall. Booking fees may apply.